Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), has made a landmark crypto donation to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund.
CEO Jeremy Allaire confirmed the company's $1 million USDC contribution, calling it a pivotal moment for digital assets.
He emphasized that the Inauguration Committee's acceptance of stablecoins signals the growing legitimacy of crypto in mainstream finance.
The donation not only highlights USDC's expanding role in high-profile transactions but also aligns with Circle's mission to drive digital currency adoption in the US.
Moreover, the Trump Committee's openness to stablecoins underscores the evolving landscape of political fundraising and the increasing real-world utility of digital dollars.
The Trump Committee's acceptance of USDC marks a significant step in the mainstream adoption of digital dollars.
Circle's $1 million crypto donation contributes to the over $170 million raised for the inauguration, highlighting the expanding role of stablecoins in high-profile financial transactions.
Allaire called the move a milestone for both Circle and USDC, emphasizing how far digital currencies have come in gaining acceptance.
Allaire commented:
“We are excited to be building a great American company, and the fact that the Committee took payment in USDC is an indicator of how far we have come and the potential and power of digital dollars.”
By integrating USDC into its fundraising efforts, Trump's campaign sets a new precedent for the use of digital assets in political finance.
Tech and crypto giants are making major contributions to Trump's inaugural fund, with Google joining the wave by donating $1 million.
Google's global head of government affairs, Karan Bhatia, confirmed the contribution and announced plans to livestream the inauguration on YouTube.
Other major donors reportedly include Meta, OpenAI, Amazon, Apple, Coinbase, Kraken, and Ripple, with the fund surpassing $170 million and expected to exceed $225 million by Inauguration Day according to sources.
The three-day celebration, organised by the inaugural committee, will feature galas, parades, and dinners leading up to the 20 January swearing-in ceremony.
Crypto firms have played a particularly active role, with Ripple pledging $5 million in XRP, while Coinbase, Kraken, and Ondo Finance each contributed $1 million.
Coinbase VP of US Policy Kara Calvert expressed:
“Coinbase committed to supporting President Trump's transition and ultimately his inauguration well ahead of the election. We’re eager to work with the most pro-crypto Administration in US history as we build the future of crypto in America.”
Robinhood reportedly donated $2 million, and Ondo Finance previously received a $250,000 investment from Trump-backed World Liberty Financial in mid-December.
These substantial contributions underscore the crypto industry's optimism about the incoming administration.
Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi praised Trump's understanding of "disruptive technology" and his embrace of the sector, reflecting a broader belief that the new administration could usher in more favorable policies for digital assets.
High-level donors to Trump's inauguration, including crypto leaders, are set to receive exclusive perks.
Those contributing $1 million or raising $2 million will gain access to private events, including intimate dinners with Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, as well as receptions with key members of the incoming cabinet.
These gatherings provide a strategic opportunity for industry leaders to strengthen ties with the new administration.
With Trump set to take office on 20 January, crypto executives are increasingly optimistic about potential pro-crypto policies and regulatory reforms under his leadership.
As fundraising efforts gain momentum, which major players will step up next to join the donor list?
USDC is now the default currency on Binance Pay, making it easier for users to send and receive money instantly with zero gas fees. This update simplifies payments for both individuals and businesses, offering fast, low-cost transactions using a stable digital dollar.delays or extra costs.
AnaisCircle, the USDC stablecoin issuer, has filed for an IPO with the SEC amidst tech market turbulence and Nasdaq’s worst quarter since 2022. It faces stiff competition and economic challenges, including fluctuating interest rates.
KikyoUSDC payments are now available on Sony's Singapore online store, with the company suggesting that additional cryptocurrencies may be introduced in the future.
KikyoCircle's USDC has been approved for launch in Japan, starting on March 26, 2025. It will be traded on SBI VC Trade and other major exchanges, with plans for wider adoption across Japan and global expansion into markets like the Philippines and Dubai.
AnaisOnchain data shows a trader lost $733,000 in USDC for just $19,000 in USDT due to a sandwich attack, sparking money laundering suspicions.
KikyoMetro Singapore has teamed up with dtcpay to enable stablecoin payments for online and in-store purchases at Metro Paragon and Metro Woodlands, supporting USDT, USDC, FDUSD, and WUSD.
CatherineCircle's CEO, Jeremy Allaire, is calling for mandatory registration of stablecoin issuers in the U.S. to ensure transparency and protect consumers. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers and regulators are intensifying efforts to create clear rules for stablecoins, with growing scrutiny on companies like Circle and Tether.
AnaisChainflip introduced an upgrade to block illicit funds linked to the Bybit hack, protecting its platform and liquidity providers. The protocol now uses enhanced screening tools to prevent hackers from using its services to launder stolen assets.
WeatherlyCoinbase’s Conor Grogan estimates Trump and his team made over $800 million from $TRUMP, moving $482 million in crypto to exchanges since 18 January. While unverified, the question lingers—will he keep the gains or share them with supporters?
CatherineTaiwan is preparing a new law to integrate cryptocurrency into its economy, allowing banks to issue stablecoins and tightening regulation for crypto service providers. The country aims to attract global investors and become a crypto hub in Asia, with a focus on security and stability.
WeatherlyMeta is changing how it labels AI-edited content by moving the "AI info" label to a less visible spot, raising concerns that it may confuse users as AI tools become more advanced. Despite this, Meta will still prominently display labels for fully AI-generated content to ensure transparency.
JoyeToro will stop trading most cryptocurrencies for U.S. users as part of a $1.5 million settlement with the SEC. The platform will only offer Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum in the U.S., while its global operations remain largely unaffected.
WeatherlyOpenAI has launched the o1 model, designed to improve reasoning and problem-solving in areas like math and coding. While more accurate than previous models, it comes at a higher cost and still lacks certain functionalities like web browsing and image processing.
JoyTaobao's English version has skyrocketed to the top of Singapore's App Store due to its advanced AI translation, improving accessibility for non-Chinese speakers. The app's new features include SGD price conversion and promotional offers, leading to a surge in user engagement and positive feedback.
AnaisTrump announced the launch of his family's new financial project, World Liberty Financial, on September 18, emphasizing that he would leave the slow and outdated big banks behind.
AlexTrump's personal net worth has shrunk to less than $4.7 billion, falling out of the top 500 richest people in the world. After his chances of winning the US election were surpassed by Harris and he lost in the debate, the MAGA meme coin plummeted by more than 20% in a single week.
MiyukiTaiwan's use of AI for tracking tropical storm Bebinca is proving highly effective, surpassing traditional methods in accuracy. The AI models, which also excelled with Typhoon Gaemi earlier this year, are revolutionizing typhoon prediction and response.
WeatherlyBinance executive Gambayan has been detained in Nigeria since February, and the U.S. ambassador has met with the Nigerian presidential cabinet, but the country insists that this will only happen after the trial.
WeiliangAlexAlex
